FBI Director Kash Patel has classified the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis as an act of domestic terrorism, citing the attacker’s anti-religious motivations and targeting of children during a Catholic Mass.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman—born Robert Westman—opened fire through the church windows during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others.
In a statement posted on X, Patel said the shooter left behind multiple anti-religious statements, both in a written manifesto and physically inscribed on his firearms.
Anti-Religious Motive Confirmed in Shooter’s Writings
“As we continue to investigate yesterday’s barbaric attack from Robert [Robin] Westman, the male subject, our teams have gathered information and evidence demonstrating this was an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology,” Patel wrote.
According to the FBI director, Westman included explicit references to anti-Catholic and anti-Jewish sentiments in his manifesto and on his weapons. Among the writings recovered were the phrases:
- “Israel must fall”
- “Free Palestine”
- Profanities tied to Holocaust-related language
- A direct threat against former President Donald Trump inscribed on a firearm magazine
The manifesto was timed for release on YouTube to coincide with the shooting. It reportedly included footage filmed by Westman himself at the scene. YouTube has since taken down the video, and federal investigators are reviewing the content.
FBI Deploying Full Counterterrorism Resources
Patel stated that the bureau will continue to deploy all counterterrorism resources to investigate the incident and prevent future acts of similar violence.
“We will not allow attacks on faith-based communities or our children to go unanswered,” he said.
The FBI has not yet confirmed whether Westman had ties to any domestic extremist organizations or whether his actions were inspired by online radicalization.
However, Patel emphasized the agency’s priority to deter such acts and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Shooter Targeted Catholic Mass at School
The shooting occurred during a Mass attended by young students at Annunciation Catholic Church, which is attached to a K-8 school.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman was armed with three legally purchased firearms: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.
O’Hara stated that the shooter began firing from outside, directing rounds through the church windows at children seated in the pews. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Seventeen others were injured, 14 of whom were children.
“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping,” O’Hara said. “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
